# Broad beans (fava beans) cooking times

How long to cook broad beans: **3–5 min boiled, 4–6 min steamed and 3–4 min in the microwave**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/broad-beans-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook broad beans

Times are for 300 g podded or frozen beans.

Broad beans (fava beans): cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) | 3–5 min | in boiling salted water | Frozen beans take 3–4 minutes. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) | 4–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water. |

## Before you start

Pod fresh beans. For a bright green bean, slip off the grey outer skins after cooking.

## How to tell it’s done

Tender all the way through when you squeeze one.

## Questions

### How long to boil broad beans?

3–5 min in boiling salted water. Frozen beans take 3–4 minutes.

### How long to steam broad beans?

4–6 min over simmering water.

### How long to microwave broad beans?

3–4 min on full power, covered. With 2 tablespoons of water.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/